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Yes, Matteo might have kidnapped me, but he never forced himself on me. I wish I were in his arms right now.

I’m up most of the night with Gio asleep in my arms. I’m worried that Tony or his men could come in at any time. It’s uncomfortable on the floor, and they don’t bring us dinner or more water, so we’re rationing what little we have.

I watch the morning dawn, and I wish I had better news for Gio. I wish I could promise him today was the day we would go home.

Gio wakes up, and we sit in silence waiting, but they don’t bring us fresh water or food the whole morning. Our water is nearly finished, and I’m worried that we will have to drink the rest of our washing-up water.

As the day drags on, I tell Gio stories about how I grew up. I remember them fondly, the times with my family. Gio has a few stories of his own, about his father and how they spend time together.

I try to keep him distracted with happy stories, telling him funny memories I have and how I used to get into trouble. It’s late afternoon when the cell door opens, and two men come in.

They swap out the buckets and the plastic containers and bring us new water and some food. It’s bread again, this time with ham and cheese, cucumber and tomato. I bring it to Gio and help him make two sandwiches while I make half a one for myself. He needs to keep his strength up. I am still fine.

We sip our water, and we speak quietly. I tell Gio about all the fabulous things we will cook together once we’re home, and his spirits lift. He talks about the things he wants to try, including a South African dessert they sampled on International Culture Day. It sounds delicious, so I agree to find the recipe.

Another hour or so passes, and from the position of the sun and the shadows I guess it must be around 4 in the afternoon. The cell opens suddenly, and Tony walks in mad as hell. I hold Gio against me.

He storms over and grabs Gio, ripping him from my arms.

“Leave him alone,” I scream.

Gio starts crying and pleading, and my heart rips in two. Tony takes a few steps back, screaming at me.

“Everything is going to shit. Your fucking brother and your little kidnapper think they’re so fucking smart. I should just fucking kill you both, right fucking now.”

Gio whimpers softly, but before I can reassure him that everything is going to be alright, Tony pulls a gun and points it at my head.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

MATTEO

Istand by while Roberto takes down all the details of the information Tony’s man spills. Andrea paces behind me, listening carefully.

The time to act is now. The other men stare at their brother, and I smirk; they are either angry he’s betrayed them or relieved he’s saving their lives.

Why they think they’re getting out of this alive, I don’t know.

I have renewed energy now that something is going right. I listen carefully to the details as Bruno is on the phone mobilizing the men. Lorenzo is behind him doing the same with Andrea’s men.

Excitement courses through me. We finally know where they are, but we need to be careful.

I turn and pull Andrea aside, who listens to me with complete attention. “We can’t just rush in. We need to plan this carefully.”

“I agree,” he says.

I continue, “If we do just storm in, either Gia or my son could get hurt, or worse, killed. We can’t put them at more risk than they already are. Tony is unpredictable and short-tempered. He won’t think twice about putting a bullet in either of them. We know where they are. Now, we need a plan.”

“I’ll send Francesco to survey the area. He’s excellent at being covert. He can scope out everything and report back to us while we rally the men.”

“Good idea. Cosimo can go with him.”

I signal to our brothers to come over. Cosimo stands beside Francesco as though they’re old friends.

“What’s the plan?” he asks.

“We know where they are. I want you both to go scope it out. See if you can tell where they’re holding them, and how many men there are and if Tony is there with them,” I explain. “I need as much information as you can give me.”

Cosimo nods. Francesco looks at him. “We can take my car. It’s outside.”